Is the summer of 2025 destined to become yet another transfer window in which that long-awaited big-money move slips by for the West Ham United-linked Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Georgiy Sudakov?
The Ukraine international was heavily linked with Newcastle, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City this time last year.
Around 12 months later, talks to take Georgiy Sudakov to Napoli have stalled.
With the Serie A champions since finalising deals for both Kevin de Bruyne and Noa Lang, potential landing spots now feel scarce for a footballer who continues to circle above the airport looking for a place to touch down.
Now, West Ham did make contact with Sudakov back in February.
Head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay identified the Shakhtar talisman as a potential replacement for Mohammed Kudus, whose eventual switch to Tottenham Hotspur leaves plenty of funds in the bank and a void to be filled in the attacking third.
But, as rumours regarding a potential switch to West Ham United rear their head again four months on, the two-time Ukrainian Premier League champion is taking things into his own hands.
Shakhtar star Georgiy Sudakov reacts to West Ham United links
Sun reporter Alan Nixon, via his official Patreon account, reported a few days ago that West Ham were moving for Georgiy Sudakov again.
The Hammers are allegedly using ‘middle men’ to gauge Shakhtar’s demands.
Director of football Darijo Srna had previously indicated that Sudakov would not be sold for £52 million, however. And as Chelsea found out when negotiating that eye-watering deal for Mykhaylo Mudryk, the Ukrainian giants tend to drive a hard bargain.
But if West Ham were hoping that Sudakov would provide a helping hand by attempting to force Shakhtar’s hand, it seems they will be disappointed.
The 22-year-old broke his silence on those new Hammers rumours with a post published on his Instagram page this week [Sport].
In response to a report detailing those West Ham links, and a picture showing a largely unimpressed Sudakov, he posted two laughing emojis and a rather brutal denial which read;
“The photo [of me looking impassive] conveys 100 per cent my reaction to each such news.”
Whether this means Sudakov is not interested in joining West Ham, or whether he is merely suggesting that the rumours are false, is open for interpretation.
But it certainly seems that, as far as he knows, the Hammers faithful should not be holding their breath.
Anton Ferdinand backs Crysencio Summerville to step up after Mohammed Kudus sale
In terms of potential alternatives, Hammers News can confirm that West Ham hold an interest in Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier.
Atalanta sensation Ademola Lookman has been linked as well, though Inter Milan now appear in pole position for a one-time Fulham, Everton and Leicester City attacker who scored a Europa League final hat-trick in 2024.
Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand is backing Crysencio Summerville to take Kudus’ place in the meantime. The £30 million signing from Leeds is back in training and ready to make up for lost time after an injury ruled him out from January to June.
“I love [Kudus] as a player. I think he’s a fantastic player,” Ferdinand said shortly before the Ghanaian’s £54.5 million transfer to Tottenham was completed.
“But if we have to sell to get players in, and he is the one that has to go, that will benefit [us because] maybe we can get a few players in with that money. So be it.
“We’ve got Summerville and [Jarrod] Bowen, who can play on either wing. For me, personally, I love Kudus and it will be hard watching him go, especially if it is Tottenham. I hope it isn’t Tottenham.
“But the fact that we’ve got readymade replacements and potentially a budget to get more players in.”
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